NHS Pharmacy First (Scotland) Service - Supporting Information
Published: 23rd July 2026
Following recent articles on eligibility and claims processing, we have received valuable feedback and questions from pharmacy teams. This update highlights key supporting information available for the NHS Pharmacy First (Scotland) Service, including patient information resources and guidance on the Approved List of products.
Thanks again to everyone who sent in feedback and questions on the articles from the past two weeks on eligibility and processing claims. Please keep your questions and comments coming!
Key areas for this week are about supporting information available for the service, specifically patient information and the Approved List.
Patient Information
There is a patient leaflet, available in 22 languages, available online to download at: Supporting documents - NHS Pharmacy First Scotland: information for patients - gov.scot
Copies can also be ordered by community pharmacies on request from: Stockorders.DPPAS@theapsgroup.com
The Approved List
The approved list of products has been developed by representatives of all 14 NHS Health Boards with input from Community Pharmacy Scotland and other key stakeholders. It details the limited list of items which may be supplied to eligible patients following a consultation in response to presenting symptoms.
New versions are produced when changes are made to the list, details of which are summarised at the start of the document. The introduction in document gives further detail should be read and understood by community pharmacy teams.
Link to the Approved List: NHS Scotland - Publications
Ask Me Anything / Webinar: Pharmacy First Scotland
Look out for an "Ask Me Anything" event for CPS Contractor/Owners and their teams on 20th August 2026. don’t miss out and Register for the AMA / Webinar now.
If you have any questions, please get in touch on enquiries@cps.scot.
The top question for this week is around the processing of claims for the service.
Congratulations to everyone who has recently passed their IP Courses. Well done!
The top question for this week is around the eligibility of patients to receive the service.
Reminders and revisit ahead of the holiday season and upcoming events. NHS Pharmacy First (Scotland) Service – including Community Pharmacy Independent Prescribing
Update to the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Approved List from 1 June 2026, including changes for oral thrush and allergy treatments.
A new report published by Public Health Scotland show that community pharmacy continue to play an important role in supporting the health and wellbeing of people across Scotland
We are pleased to confirm the CP Employee Independent Prescribers’ meetings will take place at 19:30 - 20:30 on the following date: Thursday 30th April
Summary of the 1st April 2026 updates to the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Approved List, including changes to oral thrush, allergy/itch and previous cough removals.
A new national PGD for oral candidiasis is being added to NHS Pharmacy First Scotland. Guidance for Health Boards and community pharmacy teams.
We are pleased to confirm the Independent Prescribers’ meetings will take place at 19:30 - 20:30 on the following date: Thursday 30th April
Congratulations to everyone who has recently passed their IP Courses. Well done! Once you have had the chance to celebrate, here are some details for your next steps:
Congratulations to everyone who has recently started the Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) /NHS Education for Scotland (NES) Funded Community Pharmacy IP Employee training
Scottish Government circular announcing a new Patient Group Direction for skin inflammation within NHS Pharmacy First Scotland.
This message is for Independent Prescribing colleagues who are funded by Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) and NHS Education for Scotland (NES):
Pharmacy teams will start to notice two new UCF modules appearing in their PMRs from next week - one each for the previously-announced Nystatin and Hydrocortisone PGDs.
Understand the top 25 Pharmacy First rejected items, why claims fail, and how to ensure compliance with NHS Scotland requirements.
On behalf of NHS Health Boards, we are collecting suggestions for amendments to the Approved List from our members and their pharmacy teams, which can be for additions to the list, replacements or deletions.
Community Pharmacy Scotland will host the next Independent Prescribers meeting on Thursday 5th February 2026. If any independent prescribers in Scotland are planning to attend and have any items you would like to add to the agenda please email us.
The NHS Pharmacy First Scotland approved product list has been updated for January 2026. Key changes include eczema treatments and cough remedies.
If you are a CP Employee starting your CPS/NES Funded IP Course in Jan 2026 at RGU or Strathclyde University, please make sure you have completed and returned the form sent to you by CPS during December.
We are currently reviewing future budgets and training capacity requirements for CPS/NES Funded Employee CPIP Training. To do this, we need a clear picture of how many CP employees in the network have not yet completed their training.
CEO Matt Barclay reflects on how community pharmacies support Scotland through the busiest month of the year.
CP IP trainees on June 25, Sept 25, and Jan 26 courses, return your CPS funding form ASAP. No action needed if already submitted. Contact enquiries@cps.scot.
CPS is reviewing budgets and training needs. Complete and return the CP IP Training form by January 5, 2026. Contact enquiries@cps.scot for help.
Last Thursday the CPS team held a webinar which covered the recent changes to NHS Pharmacy First Scotland remuneration, and gave attendees the opportunity to ask questions of the team.
CPS/NES CP IP trainees starting January 2026: Look out for an email with payment and support group details. Complete and return ASAP.
The attached document below is a series of key facts, guidance and information relating to the NHS Pharmacy First (Scotland) (PF(S)), the Scottish Community Pharmacy service for the pharmaceutical care of acute common clinical conditions.
CPS updates on rejected item reporting for Pharmacy First claims. Learn common reasons for rejection and how to avoid them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Patient information leaflets for NHS Pharmacy First Scotland are available online and can be downloaded in 22 languages.
Source: Community Pharmacy Scotland
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Yes. Community pharmacies can request copies by contacting Stockorders.DPPAS@theapsgroup.com.
Source: Community Pharmacy Scotland
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The Approved List details the limited list of items that may be supplied to eligible patients following a consultation in response to presenting symptoms.
Source: Community Pharmacy Scotland
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The Approved List was developed by representatives of all 14 NHS Health Boards with input from Community Pharmacy Scotland and other key stakeholders.
Source: Community Pharmacy Scotland

Find patient information resources, Approved List and guidance for the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service.